During her junior year of college in 2019, Marquionna had the opportunity to study abroad and explore different engineering techniques at the globe’s leading companies. Despite encouragement from a university professor and the curiosity that international travel piqued in her, she still faced the decision with trepidation. “I was afraid at first to travel internationally,” she confided. “Before going to college, I had only been to one other state.” Also weighing on her mind was the financial burden of the trip and concerns from her family who were also strangers to international travel. Looking for guidance she reached out to her Chicago Scholars Mentor, Nicole Granacki.
Nicole is no stranger to travel and has enjoyed a mostly international career. She currently works for IES Abroad, an organization that educates students to become global leaders through study abroad and internship experiences. After discussing Marquionna’s desire to study abroad and the financial challenges looming over her, Nicole jumped into action and advised her to apply to Chicago Scholars’ Educational and Leadership Development (ELD) Opportunity Grant—which provides financial support for college Scholars to engage in educational and leadership opportunities—and wrote her letter of recommendation. Throughout the process, Nicole touted the benefits of abroad experiences and encouraged Marquionna to have the confidence and determination to make her dreams a reality.
Marquionna was awarded the ELD grant, coincidentally on her birthday, and was excited to find that the grant covered the entire cost. She was ready to embark on a twelve-day whirlwind tour of France, Italy, and Scotland. Beyond the opportunity to network with the globes most esteemed engineering practitioners, she also was able to “learn a new language, try new food, and learn other people’s points of view on life and America.” She left her abroad experience with an appreciation for global diversity and a newfound zeal for travel.
For Nicole, being there for Marquionna exemplifies what mentorship is all about — “having someone there to support you who is invested in your success, and who wants to help you dream big.”
Interested in mentoring with us?